SMOKING RULE EXTENSION HAS A PRICE

(07/20/2005)

The latest set of proposals regarding eliminating second-hand smoke in the Mid-Ohio valley region is not without a price tag to restaurants. The secured and ventilated smoking area for restaurants is back in the proposal, allowing the eateries a three-year grace period to eliminate all smoking. The newest rules say a restaurant can still have a smoking section. That section, under the proposed rules, would need to be enclosed with a ventilation system completely separate from the system in the non-smoking section of the eatery. The smoking section would require doors to stay closed at all times except by people entering or exiting that part of the restaurant. This requirement would likely be very expensive, and few restaurants will spring for the "smoking booth." Other work sites and businesses will become smoke free, joining the already existing smoking ban in public buildings. Smoking will not be allowed within 15 feet of a business entrance or doorway, nor near a ventilation system that would allow air into the building. Under the health department's latest proposal, all restaurants, bars and video lottery establishments would have three years to become smoke-free establishments. Then there is a total ban. The board's regulation affects businesses in Wood, Wirt, Roane, Calhoun, Ritchie and Pleasants counties. The proposal is expected to come to a vote this month.

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